This book shows what it means to be an American philosopher by bringing key figures of contemporary American philosophy together to reflect upon the meaning and import of their life's work.

Introduction: Finding Philosophy's Place
1. Cultivating the Experience of Philosophy in America: John E. Smith
2. Philosophy as Self-Creation: Richard Rorty
3. There are No Nobel Prizes in Philosophy (And There Shouldn't Be): Hilary Putnam
4. Philosophy as Problem Solving: John Lachs
5. The Philosopher as Heretic and Cultural Explorer: Douglas Anderson
6. Family Ties and Improvisation in Philosophy: Vincent Colapietro
7. Anything Goes: Joseph Margolis
8. Beyond Theory and Praxis: Richard Bernstein
9. From Pastors to Professionals: James Campbell
10. Philosophers as World Travelers: Judith Green
11. Beyond Ontological Insecurity: Bruce Wilshire
12. Embodying Philosophy in America: Richard Shusterman
13. Practical Philosophy: Lucius Outlaw on Keeping Mind and Body Together in a Racist Society
14. Philosophy as Technology for Living: Larry Hickman
15. Philosophy and Social Vision: Erin McKenna on Practical Utopianism
16. American Anarchist: Crispin Sartwell